COLUMBUS, Ohio — David Drake of Pickaway County in Ohio has been selected as acting state executive director (SED) for the Ohio Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Drake will temporarily fill the void left by Larry Adams, the former state executive director who has taken another position in Washington D.C. Drake will perform the duties of this position until the Bush administration makes a permanent SED appointment.

“It’s a political position that is appointed by the president of the United States,” Drake said. “I have a lot of background and experience in this field and I’m an acting participant in a lot of other programs. I’ve worn a lot of hats.”

Drake has been with USDA for 25 years, serving as a county supervisor, then a farm loan specialist and most recently as the farm loan chief for the past 18 years. As farm loan chief for Ohio FSA, Drake is responsible for all loan making and servicing activities for the farm loan programs.

And while he may be qualified as the replacement for Adams, Drake said the decision belongs with President Bush.

Drake received a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio State University in agricultural education and previously taught vocational agriculture. He is also the owner and operator of an Angus cow-calf operation and produces alfalfa hay and grain on his farm in east central Ohio.

FSA works to ensure the well-being of U.S. agriculture, the environment and the American public through efficient and equitable administration of farm commodity programs; farm ownership, operating and emergency loans’ conservation and environmental programs; emergency and disaster assistance; domestic and international food assistance and international export credit programs.

This farm news was published in the February 1, 2006 issue of Farm World.